How To: Transfer Your Data to your New Phone

The average phone-owner carries a *lot* of data on their device, so what do you do with all of that data when it’s time to make the switch to a new phone? Thankfully, both iPhone and Android offer super-simple ways to transfer your data between devices. Here’s a handy step-by-step guide on how to transfer your data to your new device.

This guide will cover transferring your data:

1. from an old iPhone to a new iPhone;
2. from an old Android phone to a new iPhone;
3. from an old Android phone to a new Android phone, and;
4. from an old iPhone to a new Android phone.

Before you begin: Back up your Data

Transferring your data using one of the following methods is its own kind of backup process, but for extra peace of mind you can always back up your data using iCloud, iTunes or Google Drive before you begin.

Apple’s Quick Start is a convenient feature that makes setting up a new iPhone a breeze, especially if you’re moving from an old iPhone. Quick Start begins automatically the first time you power on your iPhone.

Here’s how to use it, step by step:

Step 1: Power on both iPhones

Power on both iPhones and place them side by side. They must be kept close to one another for Quick Start to work. Ensure that bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices.

Step 2: Begin Quick Start

On your new iPhone, you’ll see a Quick Start screen – offering the option to set up your new device using your Apple ID. Make sure it’s showing the correct Apple ID, then tap “Continue” on your new iPhone. If you don’t see the option, ensure Bluetooth is turned on for both devices.

Step 3: Connect your devices

On your new iPhone, a pattern will appear. Use your old iPhone’s camera to scan this pattern when prompted. This process establishes a secure connection between the two devices.After scanning, you’ll be prompted to set up Face ID on your new device. You’ll then have the option to transfer your settings related to location, privacy, Siri, and Apple Pay.

Step 4: Transfer data

Choose the “Transfer from iPhone” option to start transferring data directly from your old iPhone to your new one. This process can take some time, depending on the amount of data being transferred. During the transfer, keep both devices near each other and connected to power if possible. The time it takes can vary significantly based on the volume of data and the network conditions.

Using Quick Start

When you first turn on your new iPhone, you’ll be guided to set up the device. During the setup process, you’ll be asked if you want to transfer data from an Android device.

On your Android device, you’ll need to download and install the “Move to iOS” app. This will allow you to quickly and easily move your data from your Android device to your new iPhone, just as though it were an iOS device.

Step 1: Connect Both Phones

First things first, power on both your new and existing Android phones. Once you’ve turned them on, your new Android device will walk you through some initial setup instructions. Among these steps, you’ll come across the option titled “Set up using another device.” This option is designed to make the data transfer process as simple as possible.

You’ll see a screen that prompts you to keep your other phone or tablet nearby and unlocked. This screen is easily identifiable by the “transfer” icon in the top corner and features two phone outlines—one with a blue triangle and the other with a green gear in the center. This visual cue indicates that you’re in the right place to begin the wireless data transfer process.

Step 2: Select Your Data

Following the on-screen prompts, you’ll be asked to activate your SIM (if you’re using a new one) and add your Google Account to your new device. This step is crucial as it ensures your phone is ready to receive the data and fully functional with your service provider and Google services.

Next, you’ll encounter the “Choose what to copy” screen. This is where you can specify exactly what data you’d like to transfer from your old device. The options are comprehensive, allowing you to select from apps, contacts, photos & videos, music & other audio, and more. As the transfer begins, a progress bar will display how much data has been transferred, giving you a clear indication of how the process is proceeding.

Step 3: Transfer Data

And just like that, you’re almost done. After selecting the data you wish to transfer, the process will run by itself. Your new Android phone will now begin to wirelessly receive the data you selected from your old device.

If you still have the Lightning to USB-C cable from your iPhone:

Plug one end of your old iPhone cable into the iPhone, and the USB-C end into your new Android phone. On your Android phone, follow the instructions on-screen to transfer your data.

If you cannot use a cable to transfer your data:

Turn on your new Android phone. When prompted to use a cable, choose “no cable”. Your Android phone will guide you to set up and use the “Switch to Android” app on your iPhone to transfer your data.